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| | | Forums66 Topics128,086 Posts1,056,331 Members48,442 | | Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
| | THANKS!
For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down
with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | | | Joined: May 2007 Posts: 55 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2007 Posts: 55 | Well, I might hae to sell my 56 Fender Telecaster to offset some of the restoration cost. I did a worksheet of expenses, based on this Board, visiting with some vendors, looking at catalogs,(but not to excruciating detail and experience) and I come up with 18,500.00 + 3000.00 unforseen. I will continue to pin down numbers so I can meet with who ever I give the job to, I can be a little more informed.
So far, I have a classic car builder "Wagners" in Bonner Springs Ks, a local Company, Devlin Classics, in Wichita, Ks, and still hoping another name might come up. Perhaps the classic car parts company in OKC,OK can throw a name at me.
Again, I appreciate all of your help. Brad
Last edited by rinemb; 10/29/2012 5:38 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 | I think your numbers are getting to where you will be happy. You may want to look into a T-5 transmission along with a open rear end. This will save you some $$$.
Take your time looking into the parts and what brand to purchase. You will find that more than one supplier will be needed to end up with the best parts and price. Also pay attention to shipping costs and policies, freight adds up fast.
The devil is in the details, take your time.
Good Luck
Don | | | | | Joined: May 2007 Posts: 55 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2007 Posts: 55 | The Big Budget Buster! Somewhere in this thread I believe I saw the figure of 25.00 per hour for general restoration work. I made a visit to an area long-time classic car reatoration shop, and was told that the hourly rate is more like 55.00 per hour. At 250 hours of work that is a big difference. I would not begin to argue the value of such work and skills, but it sure has an impact on what I can afford to pay to have done. Dang, its hard not to be rich, or too busy to DIY. Time to re-evaluate my plans, though.
Thanks, Brad | | | | | Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 133 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 133 | hourly rate depends alot on the shop and the type of work they do. my rate is $25/hr, i'm a one man shop that turns out 2-3 full resto's a year along with some other misc. work thrown in depending on the year.drivers only. the restoration shop in town where i get my "high end" paint(PPG), charges $55+/hr.he sends work my way and vice versa, depending on what the customer wants and can afford.
daren
Last edited by darenhg72; 11/01/2012 6:31 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 133 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 133 | also, try to find a shop that does mostly trucks as they are quite a different animal than a unibody muscle car. most shops may do all, but they usually have a specialty. i personally prefer 1947-1956 chevy and ford trucks.
daren | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | ..around here the most predominant rate is $45 per hour. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,847 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,847 | Machine work was my worst problem, I had to get everything done at least twice, I had the head in the shop 4 different times. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 435 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 435 | Here's some food for thought.
My truck has a lot of sentimental value. It is the only new vehicle my grandparents ever owned,I have the original invoice and cancelled check($2005.00) and I got my license in it back in 69'. I've been working at it pretty steady since I brought it home in Dec. of 2006. I'm putting down the final paint on it in the a.m., and without a single receipt for labor, I have paper in hand showing over $12,000, and it's a LONG,LONG,LONG, ways from being show quality. I've rebuilt it with the original 230 and 3 on the tree, with no A/C, powersteering, or disc brakes, or even a radio. My music is hearing the 6 sing it's song, mile after mile. I wouldn't have any problem taking off for either coast(I'm in central Kansas)and plan on driving it to Georgia in Feb. pulling a trailer with my Harley. It is either new or rebuilt from the front bumper bolts to the rear tail light lenses, and it's just the way I want it. I'd rather have this money tied up in this old truck than have a new truck in the garage. I've had a blast doing the work, met a lot of very good people, but have learned that with the proper medication and professional therapy, I'll maybe...(I said maybe), change my views someday.Until then, when you see a white stepside going down the road with the tag on the back that says "TRAMP", that's me. I can't wave, cause I have to sit on my hands to keep from waving at everyone I see I'm so happy with driving and keeping an old truck up and going. Best have plenty of spare time on your hands every time you go somewhere in it, cause when you stop for gas or a soda, there is always someone that wants to take a look or talk with you about your truck. Love the old stuff. Good luck with yours.
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